Lola Simone Styling

WE HAVE MOVED....

2010-02-08T18:11:00.001-08:00

soo i wasn't really feeling "lola" anymore so i started a new one, i may still post here...idk yet...but please come and follow my new blog at www.tearsheetstyle.blogspot.com. thanks for following!!!

grammy fashion recap

2010-02-03T06:07:00.000-08:00

so i have been so blessed recently...very. very. busy!!! i think i'm gonna change the name of this blog...errr idk, i got a lot going on in my head right now. anywho last week was quite a fashinable one. here are my favorites from The Grammys!

i would have to say my favorite was between Heidi Klum & Marissa Miller. to me the grammy's are about rock n roll and being funky and having fun., these two personified that to me. I loved Keri Hilson..i think it's more Oscar appropriate...but i loved it nontheless, but i hate that hair...chile... ok, i hope to be back soon...but i'm pretty busy and exhausted....have a great week!

the way they were...

2010-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

i get soo sad when i think about the old nas & kelis.

before baby. before divorce.

they were definitely my favorite, fashionable couples.

for the love of fashion...please get back together...

Herve Leger

2010-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

resort 2010 collection

i love the body con design of this line. but what really stands out to me is the black and white color along with the graphic element...how fabulous

image: fashionistazlife.com

marie claire uk

2010-01-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

nicole richie looks great in these photos for marie claire uk. i love the darker tresses and the black and white photos are definitely my favorite.

images: tfs

styled: why can I never find this?

Essence: Black Women in Music

2010-01-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

i love taraji's look here

i love the outtake of taraji & mary...so playful & unprepared

images: essence.com & sandrarose.com

Jeneil Williams

2010-01-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

on the cover of LOVE magazine:: issue 3

and on a personal note. i'm headed to a gym ASAP

image: models.com

oh how I adore thee...

2010-01-28T07:22:00.000-08:00

these are some looks from Zara spring/ summer 2010 look book how fabulous!

2010-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

hello fellow bloggers in NEW YORK CITY!!! have you all heard of the independent fashion bloggers Influence Conference? well it is only 20 dollars and it is guaranteed to be very informative and a lot of networking to be done. If you live in the New York area and plan on attending, I know I am, send me a message and let me know...maybe we can go together..

In 2009, fashion bloggers came under the media spotlight. We have grown our readership and expanded the possibilities of online conversation well beyond anyone's imagination. We're increasingly sought out by high-profile brands. So what next? How do we handle success? IFB -- with the help of American Express, G-Star RAW andModCloth -- is proud to present EVOLVING INFLUENCE, a conference for fashion bloggers to discuss where we go from here.

EVOLVING INFLUENCE

Date: February 15, 2010
Time: Conference 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Wine & cheese reception 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Place: Helen Mills Theater, 137-139 West 26th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues), New York City
For the conference schedule click here • To register click here

Panelists include : Susie Bubble - Style Bubble/Dazed Digital | Tavi Gevinson –Style Rookie | Bryanboy | Phil Oh – Street Peeper | Britt Aboutaleb & Lauren Sherman – Fashionista.com | Imran Amed Business of Fashion | Diane Pernet – A Shaded View on Fashion | Gina Garrubbo, EVP Blogher | Jessica Schroeder – What I Wore | Erin Dixon – Dossier Journal | Gala Darling-iCiNG | Lauren Dimet Waters –Second City Style | Dina Fierro – Eye4Style, Attention! | Aubree Nichols-Urban Signals | Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond- BlueFly.com | Corinne Leigh -Threadbanger | Erika Miller – Elle.com | Pamela Castillo- Market Publique | Nichelle Pace –StyleMom | Melody Biringer – The CRAVE Company. With Influential Blog Presentation from YM Ousley Signature9

Giftbags courtesy of : G-Star RAW • WeLoveColors • Affordable Scarves • Revlon• Jean Straps. Image courtesy of Saga Sig.

Evolving Influence Conference Schedule

tatyana ali

2010-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

for mami magazine. she looks fabulous.

image from: mamimagazine.com

styled by: mr. bradshaw (love him)

life in the fab lane

2010-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

she's back. i'll be watching 3.21 on the style network

rihanna

2010-01-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

rihanna @ NRJ awards in Cannes France

wearing Jean Paul Gaultier

she looks fabulous & the hair is really growing on me

i wish the dress had a little more shape in the front after looking at it a little more. but the make up and hair make up for it though!

sag awards

2010-01-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

these were favorites...not soo many this time go round

kate hudson in PUCCI

diane kruger in JASON WU

christina hendricks in CAROLINA HERRERA

meryl streep in BALENCIAGA

oh how i love meryl

2010-01-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

did you all watch the telethon tonight? it was pretty great. please remember to donate. you can go to www.hopeforhaitinow.org
also my best friend sells some great quality hair on at her online hair boutique & she is donating a percentage of the proceeds to haitian earthquake relief efforts. her website is called hair addict online and tell her i sent you! www.hairaddictonline.com. oh yeah...that's me in the picture!

jennifer lopez

2010-01-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

she gives such good face...

image from theybf.com

the truth about tom ford

2010-01-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

julianne moore, matthew goode &nicolas hoult

source:tfs

2010-01-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

amber rose is clearly having the best year ever.

wth did she get that fur?

honey magazine

2010-01-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

did i forget to tell you all i did get the honey magazine internship? well i did and i started yesterday. i think it is going to be a great learning experience for me. i will share as much as i can without breaking any of the rules that an intern must abide by. so i return on monday and i'm really excited... so go check the magazine and leave some comments. www.honeymag.com

fashion magazine

2010-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

march 2010

...and where the flip have i been...this magazine has been around since 1977 and i have never even heard of it...i need some archives. and you will be seeing more of nicole richie here. i love her. how fabulous

wendy williams

2010-01-21T10:33:00.001-08:00

ya'll know i loves me some wendy. her style is definitely evolving & i love the dark tresses...alriiight!

image taken from theybf.com

sean combs & natalia vodianova for american vogue

2010-01-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

last train to paris. coincidence...i think not.

images from fashionising.com

chanel iman

2010-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

spanish vogue. feb 2010

she is such a beauty

haiti on my mind

2010-01-20T20:28:00.000-08:00

i didn't get to see the entire episode, but i caught these clips of rihanna singing "redemption song" bob marley & maxwell singing "fistful of tears" you can purchase both songs on itunes within 48 hours of the airing of the show & all proceeds go towards relief efforts in haiti. god bless.
pps. who made that dress Rihanna is wearing...tou'che girl!

martin luther king jr day

2010-01-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

If you haven't found something worth dying for, you aren't fit to be living.

what a brave man...today is the day to remember that.

Golden Globes

2010-01-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

congrats monique!!! best supporting actress

chloe sevigny:: red carpet stunner

halle is gorgeous...never ages...

christina was stunning as well! HOTT

sheila hendricks...i just love her...

i love ginnifer goodwin...she is so chic, must be the hair

i lovie julia & meryl...both casually fab!

BET Honors

2010-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

i love taraji, you will see her on her quite often!

mjb looks fabulous....

gabrielle union looks cute to me, she's looking a little full in the mid/ waist area....

Meagan Good for Krave Mag

2010-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

doesn't she look fabulous...i like the new haircut on her. styled by mr. bradshaw

styling with zoe hennessey

2010-01-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

so you all know I have been interning with an uber fabulous stylist zoe hennessey this week. I have to say this week I have learned sooo much from zoe in terms of being a working stylist, and I have a long way to go, but I know I can do it. the project I assisted her with this week was getting looks for a bridal presentation @ Amsale for Instyle Magazine. Zoe pulled the 3 dresses on the right of your screen & I assisted zoe in styling all of their looks. the models were such a pleasure to work with. and the model on the left is on this current season of project runway....go lauren (i think that's her name)

here is me & zoe with the models

here is me in all my bridal glory...LOVED THIS GOWN!!!

MBFW 2010 schedule

2010-01-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

so i applied to volunteer for FW way back in December & i'm still waiting to hear back from them. please call me. please call me.
i also got the internship @ honey magazine, stay tuned for pictures, interviews, video clips and a bunch of other fashionable stuff!!! god is soo good

Fall 2010 Collections • February 11-18, 2010 • New York

Schedule •
Sponsors
Registration
Previous Seasons
About Us
Contact
Volunteer
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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2010
10 AM BCBGMAXAZRIA
TENT
11 AM RICHARD CHAI
PROMENADE
1 PM DUCKIE BROWN
SALON
2 PM TONI MATICEVSKI
Altman Building, 135 West 18th Street
3 PM PORTS 1961
PROMENADE
4 PM ANNE BOWEN
25 West 39th Street
5:30 - 7 PM LA PERLA
TBA
6 PM FARAH ANGSANA
SALON
7 PM THE HEART TRUTH’S RED DRESS COLLECTION 2010
TENT

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2010
9 AM CYNTHIA STEFFE
SALON
10 AM PROJECT RUNWAY
TENT
11 AM YIGAL AZROUËL
PROMENADE
12 PM MICHAEL ANGEL
SALON
3 PM CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
PROMENADE
6 PM NICOLE MILLER
SALON
8 PM CHARLOTTE RONSON
TENT
9 PM VENEXIANA
SALON

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2010
10 AM LACOSTE
TENT
11 AM GEORGES CHAKRA
PROMENADE
1 PM ANDY & DEBB
SALON
2 PM ADAM
PROMENADE
3 PM ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
TENT
4 PM PRABAL GURUNG
SALON
8 PM ARISE MAGAZINE AFRICAN COLLECTIVE - PART III
TENT

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2010
10 AM LELA ROSE
SALON
11 AM LUCA LUCA
PROMENADE
12 PM MALANDRINO
711 Greenwich Street
1 PM DKNY
TBA
2 PM REBECCA TAYLOR
SALON
2 PM CALVIN KLEIN MEN’S COLLECTION
205 West 39th Street, Ground Floor
3 PM HERVÉ LÉGER by MAX AZRIA
PROMENADE
4 PM DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
TENT
5 PM TONYCOHEN
SALON
5 PM Y-3
TBA
7 PM TULEH
PROMENADE
8 PM CUSTO BARCELONA
TENT
9 PM VASSILIOS KOSTETSOS
SALON

MONDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2010
10 AM CAROLINA HERRERA
TENT
11 AM CARLOS MIELE
PROMENADE
12 PM JILL STUART
New York Public Library, Astor Hall
1 PM TRACY REESE
SALON
2 PM DONNA KARAN COLLECTION
711 Greenwich Street
3 PM MONIQUE LHUILLIER
PROMENADE
4 PM YEOHLEE
TBA
5 PM TADASHI SHOJI
SALON
6 PM ECCO DOMANI FASHION FOUNDATION
TENT
7 PM PERRY ELLIS
PROMENADE

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2010
9 AM ELIE TAHARI
SALON
10 AM BADGLEY MISCHKA
TENT
11 AM VERA WANG
PROMENADE
1 PM PAMELLA ROLAND
SALON
2 PM MAX AZRIA
TENT
3 PM DENNIS BASSO
PROMENADE
5 PM DIESEL BLACK GOLD
TBA
6 PM THUY
SALON
7 PM TIBI
PROMENADE
8 PM NARCISO RODRIGUEZ
TENT
9 PM TONI FRANCESC
SALON

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2010
9 AM TORY BURCH
SALON
10 AM MICHAEL KORS
TENT
11 AM NANETTE LEPORE
PROMENADE
2 PM 3.1 PHILLIP LIM
TENT
3 PM MILLY by MICHELLE SMITH
PROMENADE
5 PM ALEXANDRE HERCHCOVITCH
SALON
6 PM ANNA SUI
TENT
7 PM BRIAN REYES
PROMENADE

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2010
9 AM RALPH LAUREN
275 Hudson Street
10 AM RALPH LAUREN
275 Hudson Street
11 AM RALPH LAUREN
275 Hudson Street
12 PM ISAAC MIZRAHI
TENT
1 PM TRIAS
PROMENADE
2 PM DAVIDELFIN
SALON
3 PM CALVIN KLEIN WOMEN’S COLLECTION
205 West 39th Street, Ground Floor
4 PM CALVIN KLEIN WOMEN’S COLLECTION
205 West 39th Street, Ground Floor
4:30 - 6:30 PM LEIFSDOTTIR
14 East 27th Street
6 PM NAEEM KHAN
PROMENADE
7 PM J. MENDEL
SALON
8 PM TOMMY HILFIGER
TENT

i j'adore her look

2010-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

so i was browsing through essence magazine "street fashion" section online & saw this fabulous lady. i j'adore her entire look, especially the vintage fur wrap(which i have been searching high & low on ebay for). she has on multiple layers, a great handbag and chic scarf. she is definitely a style inspiration for me.

W Mag:: photo fab!

2010-01-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

this magazine does amazing fashion editorials....i loved the spread last year of demi moore. and now jennifer garner from the january cover, which i forgot to blog about, and february's cover and spread is of rihanna...it's is beautiful work. the styling is impeccable, done by Lori Goldstein. I love that the spread is in black and white. jenn garner serves much face in her spread, and rihanna is a throwback beauty in her animal print sculpted head piece. i would love to style something similar to both of these shoots, enjoy & don't forget to donate to the haiti earthquake relief fund

www.yele. org

Haiti Earthquake...

2010-01-13T12:14:00.000-08:00

www.yele.org

PLEASE DONATE ANY AMOUNT....

closet staples

2010-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

so i have been in NY for about a week now & i noticed...it's all about the outerwear. so i came up with some pieces that i want to purchase to incorporate into my wardrobe. i think a chunky faux fur sweater is a must. you can throw over anything & keep it moving. i also love.love.love trench coats. they give you an instant mysterious ora...and a bright colored trenches are my favorite! i need to step my pants game up, therefore i want some cropped/ cuffed trousers. they are soo chic to me. also i want some silk trousers...you can dress them up with some strappy heels or pumps or you can dress the down with some cute flats and my next wardrobe staple, a denim jacket/ vest. who doesn't love a good jean jacket, not the old school boxy ones...i'm talking semi- cropped and long sleeved like the ones included. and lastly long leather gloves... i love long leather gloves, they make you look FABULOUS!!! what are some staples that you want to include in your wardrobe this year?

spring in NY outerwear by pinkhunni featuring Zucca

Items in this set:
Elizabeth and James Faux-fur cocoon shrug, $565
Jil Sander England cotton-blend trench, $1,895
Tricotine Trenchcoat, $1,680
Maje | Gipsy denim biker jacket | NET-A-PORTER.COM, 299 EUR
Current/Elliott The Snap denim jacket, $275

chic this week

2010-01-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

taraji p. henson looking hot on the red carpet for the screening of Denzel Washington newest flick, The book of Eli. The dress hugs her body in all the right places and the modern bob with a red lip complete this chic look. i follow tarji on twitter & she said she pulled this out of her closet last minute. great choice taraji...

and let me go ahead and plug her movie, i can do bad all by myself comes out on dvd today... i need to go and get this, it was soo good!!!

assistant stylist...yeah that's me!

2010-01-12T06:00:00.001-08:00

hey all this is going to be a great week for me. i went on craigslist...of all places and found an incredible styling opportunity. this super talented stylist name zoe hennessey was looking for an intern/ styling assistant to help her on a project for an in style magazine. i was soo blessed to get the opportunity to work with her. so i have been assisting her since friday and will be doing so until this friday...and hopefully more. so i am still looking for a job...but doing styling is where my heart is so i pray that i start making some money doing it...like ASAP! also zoe is teaching me soo much, there is a lot more to styling than i realized...but i love it. ttyl and have a fabulous week! oh yeah you can check out zoe's work here www.zoehennessey.com

2010-01-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

these pictures are speaking to me...

top 7 celebrity stylist

2010-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

I obviously need to do more research because I have not heard of most them, but they are fabulous. To this list allow me to add some of my favorites:: June Ambrose (call me girl), Haenn, Becca Alexis, & Charles Wade. I got more...but on another day my lovelies.
*article was taken from ifashionnetwork.com & i saw it on monicarose.com (thanks monica...love your work!)

Celebrities rise to fashion fame due to the sartorial visions of their stylists. They become known for their personal styles and quirks while their dressers maintain their anonymity. Some of the greatest style moments in recent history have been created by this talented group of individuals whose work has catapulted Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwen Stefani and Naomi Watts from hometown girls to fashion icons. Who are these behind-the-scenes stylists whose eyes for fashion have transformed the entertainment industry?

Now that her hit Bravo reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project, has formally invited us to the world of styling and her A-list clientele, Rachel Zoe has continued to rise on the rungs of the industry. She famously reinvented boho-chic and introduced Nicole Richie as a style icon with her signature oversize sunglasses, flowing maxi dresses and gladiator sandals. This is Zoe’s famous look which also includes myriad furs, wide-leg jeans, larger-than-life baubles and an air of vintage glamour. Zoe’s clientsinclude Jennifer Garner, Eva Mendes, Anne Hathaway, Salma Hayek and Keira Knightley among others who have graced numerous “best-dressed” lists. She has also gained fame collaborating on ad campaigns, magazine editorials and with her own tome, “Style A to Zoe,” which made the New York Times Bestseller List. Zoe is known for being as present on the red carpet as the clients she dresses.
Some of the most famous fashion moments have been spawned in the manic mind of Andrea Lieberman, whose punk rock influence is seen in the style histories of Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Shirley Manson and Mary J. Blige. Most famously, Lieberman, a longtime friend of Stefani’s, collaborated with the superstar on her über-successful L.A.M.B. clothing line and created Gwen’s look of that era. Styling the fragrance campaigns and the “What You Waiting For?” music video look helped bring Stefani out of her No Doubt punk-rock princess phase into an edgier and more high-fashion presence on the red carpet. Does anybody remember Jennifer Lopez’s plunging green Versace number she donned at the 2000 Grammy Awards? You know, cut down to there and slit up to there? All Andrea. She has also worked with top photographers such as Patrick Demarchelier, Norman Jean Roy and Gilles Bensimon.

Like Rachel Zoe, Britt Bardo had a hand in spawning the laid-back chic look that has been so embraced by young Hollywood types. She has been a stylist to Britney Spears, though she has famously claimed that the pop star has a mind of her own and alters her outfits as she pleases. Britt has dressed Malin Ackerman, Kate Hudson and Emannuelle Chriqui for red carpet events. Bardo hails from the Midwest – Ohio, to be exact – and now resides in Los Angeles. She styled Avon’s Mark catalog and went on to sign with Mark Cosmetics this year to design a three-piece collection of style basics such as a white tee, a cuffed sweater and a slipdress.

If a celebrity has landed on the best dressed list, chances are she was styled by Jessica Paster, who has worked with Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Rachel McAdams, Emily Blunt, Evan Rachel Wood and Blake Lively. An 11-year-veteran of styling, Paster has lent her expertise to various campaigns including the Revolve Clothing Style Guide for 2007. She is known not only for her high-fashion looks, but also her no-nonsense attitude which has garnered several mentions in recent press. Fortunately, her personal matters do not overshadow her exquisite eye for coordinating flawless looks for hot Hollywood.

Before Kim Kardashian was known as a reality star, she was a stylist in her own right, organizing the closets of celebrities including Paris Hilton and Brandy. Now, after her rising star landed her on every television screen, magazine cover and ad campaign of late, she has her own stylist, Monica Rose, who burst onto the styling scene five years ago. Rose practically put the Kardashian clan on the fashion radar dressing them in both designer and retail duds for various appearances, photo shoots and everyday wear. She also styles the ladies of the E! Network’s Daily 10, Debbie Matenopolous and Catt Sadler. Rose shares her fashion finds and style inspirations on her own blog which has become a major stopping point for aspiring fashionistas and industry veterans.

This styling duo from New York got their start assisting renowned stylists on music video shoots and editorials. They met over five years ago on a boy band music video set and partnered soon after to form a dynamic team that has styled celebs such as Penelope Cruz, Portia De Rossi, Diane Kruger, Kyra Sedgwick, Amy Adams and, most recently, Nicole Richie, to name a few. Together, they formed clothing line Miss Davenporte based in Los Angeles and continue to style for the red carpet and various campaigns including American Express, L’Oreal and more.

Known as the top stylist of Hollywood’s youthful stars, Nicole Chavez has imparted her style wisdom to Rachel Bilson, Scarlett Johansson, Katherine Heigl, Amy Smart and Kristen Bell. Starting her career as an intern on movie sets, she landed her big break on the pilot episode of cult hit The O.C. and snagged one of her biggest clients as a result. Chavez is known for not over-styling so as to imply a star’s personal style instead of her own vision. Her looks come out clean and not contrived. She is originally from Los Angeles, raised in La Cañada, a suburb near Pasadena
Photos Courtesy of:
Rachel Zoe: Courtesy of RachelZoe.com
Andrea Lieberman: Courtesy of Autumn de Wilde.com
Britt Bardo: Courtesy of RevolveClothing.com
Jessica Paster: Courtesy of RevolveClothing.com
Monica Rose: Courtesy of Monica Rose.com
Cristina Ehrlich and Estee Stanley: Courtesy of Cristina Ehrlich and Estee Stanley.com
Nicole Chavez: Courtesy of Nicole Chavez.com

2010 peoples choice awards

2010-01-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

best face:: Nicole S

i loved Niecy Nash & Taraji Hensons overall looks

Dania Ramirez & Diane Kruger looked hott as well

Ginnifer Goodwin is adorable & i wish MJB dress was floor lenght, loved the shoulder though

i j'adore her look

2010-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

she sure does clean up nicely, zoe k. for Vanity Fair

Edna Woolman Chase

2010-01-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

Fashion can be bought. Style one must poses

and here is a brief bio courtesy of wikipedia, she is truly inspirational

Edna Woolman Chase (1877-1957) was editor in chief of Voguemagazine from 1914-1952

Rather than having a real desire or training to work with fashion, Edna starting working at Vogue simply by chance. While living in New York, Chase struggled to find a job. After searching, her friend mentioned there was a position open at Vogue. The job was not exactly the jet-set fashion job that might come to mind when you hear "Vogue". However, her first job at Vogue was working in the mail room. Though this was a very entry-level job, Chase quickly began her move to the top. To move up quickly she out-did everyone else in the mail room so she would advance. Her hard work wasn’t just to make more money. Chase truly enjoyed her job. Even when she was just working in the mail room she loved working there. She was always excited and ready to go in the morning and never wanted to leave when work was over. She had a great interest in Vogue as a whole. Mr. Turner, the editor at the time, saw how much effort she put in and would ask for her opinions on layouts and things of that nature. Chase's determination and hard work is really what got her to the top of the fashion magazine. Soon Turner was asking Chase to do entire layouts on her own. ^[2]

In the midst of a the great collaboration between Turner and Chase, Mr. Turner had died. The magazine was in danger of closing, and Chase took it upon herself to make sure Vogue was kept alive. Chase went on the road to persuade people to keep reading the magazine. Shortly after Turner's death, Condé Nasttook over Vogue in 1909. He immediately saw how driven and talented Chase was and brought her up in the Vogue chain.^[3]Edna became managing editor in 1911 which gave her complete control. And by 1914 she was named editor in chief.

what I wore

2010-01-05T20:24:00.000-08:00

headed into the city dressed more appropriately

top: red turtleneck dress

coat:: h&m NY

jeans:: marshalls

platforms:: ross (oh how i miss thee)

belt:: thrifted

hat:: street vendor

*now I must get some rest, got a big interview tomorrow for an internship @ honey magazine, wish me luck...smooches!

me...in a goose down?

2010-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

so here I am, freezing my tail off in New York & it appears that I will have to buy a goose down/ puff jacket....errr. I went to Burlington Coat Factory with my cousin & actually found a really cute coat from Laundry by Shelly Segal, but they didn't have my size, it has soo much drama in the neck, and of course I can't find a picture of it. Here are some that I like

magazine editorials

2010-01-04T19:54:00.000-08:00

here are a few more teaser pictures from V magazine's size issue. I just love what they did here...minimal wardrobe; killer shoes and accessories along with fabulous/ uber glammed out hair and make up. The styling was done by Nicola Formichetti, and the assistant stylists Emily Eisen, Jessica Shaw, Enrica Ferrazza, Angelo deSanto...oh how I wish my name was there too!

this bish here... is killing it in the L'Officiel magazine spread...I feel the Grace Jones vibe they were going for. Ciara....W.O.R.K!!!! I am going crazy trying to find who styled this shoot, if you know, send me a message please...

Liya Kebede is just so whimsical-fairy-rollerblader-couture esque-victorian collar beauty in this editorial for Elle Italia Jan 2010. I swear she never ages. Simple Beautiful.

I dress like I still live in LA, this must stop

2010-01-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

so I got my dates mixed up and thought today was the open house @ F.I.T. I got all jazzy and braved the freezing only to find out that it is actually tomorrow...boo! I have also come to realize, since moving to NY a week ago...The HAWK is real...ok. I will not be trying to be cute anymore... well cute and covered up! I was looking soo cute today, but highly inappropriate for this weather. Also I have an interview for an internship with Honey Magazine ( www.honeymag.com ) on Wednesday morning, send up a prayer for me...I really want this!!!

what I wore

dress::gossip boutique in Pasadena, Ca

scarf:: lf warehouse, LA

tights:: forever 21

boots: garmet district, LA

bangles:: NY

belt:: melrose flea market

and yes, I did have a coat on :)

2010...i'm going for it!

2010-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years all! I pray that you rung in the New Year in a fabulous way. I am finally in NYC but it was way too cold for me to go and do anything. I am soo excited to be here pursuing my career goals of being a stylist, I have a list of goals that I want to accomplish this year, so here goes::

. move to NYC...oops! already did that!
. clean up my credit, to be debt free would be AWESOME!
. take more "look book" shots of myself for the blog of mine
. go natural, my hair, i'm on month 4 of no relaxer, I will be big chopping in a month or so
. re vamp blog & create a website
. launch an online boutique
. get an internship with a stylist "JUNE AMBROSE! JUNE AMBROSE! JUNE AMBROSE"
. style some photo shoots & spreads
. put lola simone styling on the map, perhaps I need a business partner...hmmm
. network. newtork. NETWORK
. continue to work on myself & grow as Christian..gotta do better
. read entire bible
. travel a whole lot
. step my make up game up, NARS all the way
. become well read on fashion: designers, stylist, fashion houses, etc...
. buy better quality clothing & shoes
. & last but not least...find me a man, shoot it's cold in NYC!

NYC...here I come

2009-12-29T11:20:00.000-08:00

well my lovelies today is the day I move to NYC (queens) and I am soo much looking forward to this next chapter in my life. I am gonna dig deep and find my inner hustler spirit and get out there and make it happen. I have my list of stylist and agencies to contact and I pray something in the way of a assistant stylist comes up. I will be back in a week or so with updates and pictured fro me...in the city. Have a safe and blessed New Years.

One size fits all...

2009-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love this spread for V magazine. This shoot was photographed by Terry Richardson and was styled by Mel Ottenberg, amazing work. Now maybe it's just me, but I do not consider Crystal to be "plus sized" she looks AMAZING!!! Crystal's measurements are 36.31.41 and she is 5'9''. I am 36.28.42 and I am 5'9'' and I am not plus sized in the least hunnie...go figure this industry man...The other model Jacquelyn Jablonski measurements are 32.24.34 and she is 5'9''. The both look great, but Crystal is serving it up here. HOTT!!!!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Cheers to a very Merry Christmas to all my readers...enjoy the eye candy

Style Star Zoe Saldana

2009-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

well what can I say? she has had an amazing year, with blockbuster movies such as Star Trek & Avatar, Zoe's career has been taken to the next level. She is one of the actresses I really like, you never see her in the paparazzi & there is no drama surrounding this lady. She is a talented actress and a red carpet stunner. She was seen this year wearing Prabal Gurung, Calvin Klein, Azzedine Alaia, Giambattista Valli, Marchesa, Pucci and many others. She is definitely one to watch in 2010!

Style Star 2009 Rachel Roy

2009-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

now this here is my girl! I love Rachel Roy's style. She is not afraid to take some risks. Her Indian heritage influences her personal style, namely her black rimmed eyes and I love that she knows how to wear a red lip. She wears great chunky earrings & statement necklaces. I aspire to dress like her when I grow up. You can often find her wearing RACHEL ROY!

Sex and the City 2

2009-12-22T23:37:00.000-08:00

I.CANNOT.WAIT I think I will make it a girls night out event, especially since I will be living in NYC when this comes out. I am looking forward to the storyline & how the movie will pick up from where it left off...the fashions, the men...color me excited!!! I don't really know which character best describes me...but I am partial to Miranda...

Style Star 2009 Kerry Washington

2009-12-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

I absolutely adore Kerry Washington's style. She is striking in all shades but I am partial to her when she wears pale shades of pink & peach. And she is also stunning on the red carpet in silver, blue and your not so basic black. She is a fan of Marchesa, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Zuhair Murad, Rachel Roy and many others. I love that Kerry is not afraid to take risk on the red carpet. She is a fabulous actress and can often be found on the political scene in D.C. She is definitely one of my 3 style stars of 2009, stay tuned for the others!

2009-12-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

look what I found this weekend...a trapper hat!!!! I didn't buy it cause I was not sure...but it felt oh so nice on my dome...what do you think?

chic this week

2009-12-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

i love all these ladies looks this week. Gwen Stefani in this simple black frock with opaque stockings, bold booties & bold red lip, loves it.

Zoe Saldana(2009 most fashionable)

Beyonce in all black, i love the bangs and the red platforms, looks like ysl...

Ms. Rachel Roy, my girl, looking all kinds of grown up fabness

trapper hat

2009-12-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

well well well...what do we have here...rihanna wearing my dream trapper hat & word on the blogger block is that it's from hm for about 14 dollars...I cannot spend a single cent since it's soo close to my move date...so here goes::

dear santa: please send me this hat...thanks, ls style

Hot Magazine Covers

2009-12-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

Rihanna for GQ & J. Lo for Allure...HOTT!!!

Lindsay Lohan 4 Muse Magazine

2009-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

i don't know why...but i like this spread. i'm not the biggest li lo fan & i despise ciggys, but i can dig it

what I wore

2009-12-14T22:19:00.000-08:00

i went out looking for boots in the rain & this is what i wore....

2009-12-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

I think part of the requirements of moving to NYC in the middle of winter is purchasing an over sized faux fur trapper, and I will happily oblige. E. badu is giving me all types of fever in hers. Here are some good priced ones that I found. And I tossed in some other hats for good measure if trappers are not your thang.

fur hats by KaiLee Parker featuring Eugenia Kim hats

Items in this set:
Reinhard Plank Alpino Hat, $200
Eugenia Kim Della bow detail cloche, $133
Rabbit Fur Hat, 125 GBP
Faux Fur Trapper's Hat, $75
Ignite Faux Fur Trapper Hat, $51

2009-12-10T15:47:00.000-08:00

so today I went to the LF Warehouse sale where I got quite a few things. But the featurette is called "what I wore" so this is it. I got this tan jacket from Ross like 4 years ago, the belt came with a skirt awhile ago, jeans are forever 21, fuschia knee boots, and a sample bag from the garment district. Oh yeah, the scarf comes from Nassau...like my look?

Transition your wardrobe:: part 2

2009-12-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

i'm back as promised with transitioning your wardrobe part 2. This time it's dresses with turtlenecks. You can prolong your summer wear seemlessly with a black turtleneck, or any other color, here are a few looks I put together for you guys. What do you think?

Transition your wardrobe by KaiLee Parker featuring Three Dots

Items in this set:
Short Floral Sleeveless Dress, 885 GBP
Brick Print dress, 795 GBP
Strapless dress, 595 GBP
Three Dots - Viscose Lycra Long Draped Sleeve Turtleneck Dress (Calico..., $165
Striped Structured Alice Dress by Motel**, 39 GBP

Transition your wardrobe

2009-12-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

in this economy who has money to go out and purchase a brand new winter wardrobe?!?!?! not I... so I am going to give you a few examples of how to "winterize: your spring & summer pieces into looks for the fall & winter by following these basic trend reports. First up:: black tights under your shorts. I did not like this trend at all to begin with, but it has really grown on me, why should you have to hide your shorts for 3-6 months. Slap some black opaque stocking under those shorts & with a great pair of boots and keep it moving into this chilly season. You can pair the look with an oversized cardigan or a statement blazer. I'll blog tomorrow on another transition trend:: turtlenecks with spring dresses!

And here are a few looks I created via polyvore, I really love these looks!

winter to fall by KaiLee Parker featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
ALI RO Ruffle Top, $95
Eliza, $88
Stripe Gold Button Blouse, 30 GBP
MODERN Fit Sleeveless Turtleneck - Tanks - CJ Banks, $18
fredflare.com | grey boyfriend blazer, $45

Wishlist:: fashion books & magazines

2009-12-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

in an effort to become more educated on the history of fashion and to learn more about styling these are some books that I want to have in my collection...

and for the magazine subscriptions I need. I want. I must have.

Forever 21 Mag Online

2009-12-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

I remembered reading about this magazine was going to be published, I came across it on a blog that I follow & I must say that I love it. They had like a 6 page spread on fashionable bloggers, and I hope to be in one of those spreads soon. There is also a really gorgeous spread with the twelve by twelve collection highlighted by model Georgie Baddiel (I believe) and I can't find who she was styled by and that upsets me. Do you know who styled her? You can view the forever 21 magazine in it's entirety http://www.forever21.com/magazine/. Enjoy!

2009-12-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

One of my best friends is going to an industry party in the New Year, she asked me to create a "look" for her based on these sequined shorts. I have a general rule, the shorter the bottoms, the bigger and looser the top should be. I like to be subtly sexy, leaves a little something to the imagination. But if you do wish to wear a fitted top like the bustier I put in the look, add a blazer or a cropped leather jacket...tres chic. What do you think of the choices I made? Would you rock it?

for faithe by KaiLee Parker featuring Zucca

You Betta WORK!

2009-12-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

I die. I die...and yet again I die. these are the types of editorials I live for. I loves me some Grace Jones & she is a definitely a style icon that has inspired the masses. This is model Rose Cordero for Paris Vogue. She was styled by Melanie Hyunh ( who I need more deets on ASAP!) I love everything about this spread. The fuschia and the black together, the bold red lip & the silver accessories. I was SOO inspired by this shoot, I had to update my music, & in the words of RuPaul...YOU BETTA WORK!!!

LF Warehouse Sale

2009-12-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

what a great way to get some new pieces for your fall wardrobe at a great price, I will be there. Let me know if you go and what you purchased.

LF Stores Warehouse Sale

Clearance 80% or more

Sweaters reg. $128 - $196, now $10 - $16
Knit Tees reg. $42 - $68 now $6
Woven Dresses reg. $128 - $280 now $28
Denim Jeans reg. $128 - $246 now $18
and much more!

Cards & Cash Accepted (no checks)

Bring a friend!

www.lfstores.com

LF Stores Warehouse Sale

Friday December 11th, 2009 @ 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday December 12th, 2009 @ 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

LF Store Warehouse Sale

5333 McConnell Ave
Playa del Rey/LA, California 90066

405 FWY. Exit Jefferson Blvd. Go West

My 1st Giveaway!!!!!

2009-12-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

in honor of...free stuff, I am giving away these earrings to a special reader. Just leave a comment saying who your favorite stylist is & why and I will pick a winner & mail them to you in time for Christmas. Please have your comment submitted by Friday December 11th @ noon. Have a stylish weekend all!

Photo Fab:: Adrienne Bailon

2009-12-01T22:48:00.000-08:00

she looks absolutely fabulous in this photo spread for YRB Magazine. She was styled by Darius Baptist. I love the make up, the lightning, the background...everything, it's amazing work....I wonder if Darius is looking for an intern???

Inspire me please!!!

2009-12-01T19:33:00.001-08:00

I haven't had any words lately...I have just been trying to get inspired...these are my thoughts visually right now....

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T23:33:00.000-08:00

what are you thankful for this year? I'll go first...I am thankful for the gift of life, everyday, every breath is a blessing. We have seen soo many people pass this year & it really puts things into perspective. I am thankful for my family, they are crazy, but they are always there for me. I am thankful for my best friends...I absolutely love them. I am thankful for my health...thank you lord. And lastly I am thankful that the lord has kept my head above water this year...I have been out of work going on 11 months and he has kept me, and as I prepare for my next venture in life (NYC) I know that he will continue to bless & keep me. Do not concentrate on what you do not have, concentrate on what you do have....LIFE.

Happy Thanksgiving

Accentuate the legs

2009-11-25T23:13:00.000-08:00

so my fabulous followers how are we feeling about bedroom thigh highs out in public? me personally, I love the way Selita is rocking them. They are barely noticeable with the length of her dress so it's sorta like a "peek a boo" thing going on. I don't know how I feel about them on Rhi Rhi...hmmm??? And I found a super cute store that sells these types of stockings here http://www.stockingirl.com/

photo story:: Amber Rose

2009-11-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

I loves me some Amber Rose...there I said it. I think style wise she has come a long waay. I don't know what she is like and whatnot, but bish knows how to work it in front of the camera. She said she doesn't work with a stylist so it is great that she knows what works for her figure...so kudos to you Amber Rose!

Amerie styled by Charles Wade

2009-11-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

She looks fabulous and was styled by Honey Mag Fashion Director & Stylist Charles Wade. I think he did such a great job styling this shoot. The clothing is pretty simple and clean, I love the pop of color with the blue lined eye and the vamped red lips and dark eyes. Who made that necklace and where can I get that bustier?

shoettie of the moment

2009-11-22T23:19:00.000-08:00

I need these shoetties ( shoe booties) like ASAP. I just think they are soo hot in the grey suede color. I gotta look around and see if I can find a cheaper price because I am moving next month & I don't have 89 bones to just spend right now...but I do love them. Most likely paired with opaque stockings and a mini skirt...or some uber cute skinny jeans...decisions...decisions...
You can purchase this shoettie here::http://www.miashoes.com/index.php?p=product&id=353&parent=14

NYX Makeup Box

2009-11-17T18:19:00.001-08:00

so these are the 2 Make Up Boxes that I am currently obsessing over. I am ordering one of them tonight, but I just can't decide which one to get first... I think I may go with the Bronze first because we are in the winter months and I think the colors are better suited for this time of the year. Then in a month or so I will get the other. Each make up box includes::12 eye shadows, 5 lip colors, 6 highlighters and blushes and make up applicator brushes. It's 5 inches wide and I am super excited to get it in the mail. You can buy @ www.nyxcosmetics.com or if you are a bargain hunter like me hop on over to www.ebay.com and type in NYX Makeup Box and that is where you will find the Bronze Goddess Box.

V magazine

2009-11-17T17:14:00.000-08:00

so I saw this photo of Kate Moss on the cover of V Magazine's swimsuit issue rocking this funky coat. This photo caught my eye because I had tried on the coat a few months ago @ Fashion Night Out in LA....see, she is definitely rocking it better than I.

Photo Fab

2009-11-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

Michelle Williams had fabulous alter ego photo shoot with Derek Blanks...she looks amazing in my opinion. She was styled by Adrene Ashford. From what I could find online Adrene is the owner of a boutique in Atlanta called "Pieces of Adrene", and I want to know is where did she find that white ruffled blouse and the mink looking coat...way fabulous hunny!

Winter Wear:: Faux Fur

2009-11-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

I love faux fur, and I intend on getting at least 2 for the winter in NYC. Here are a few looks that I came up with. Hope you guys like the looks!

that damn Beyonce...

2009-11-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

I wasn't gonna post it, but I saw it and it was fabulous!!! enjoy videophone

2009-11-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

Demi is looking fabulous...I hope my 40s are this kind to me

how to do the 1 shoulder look

2009-11-14T08:52:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased this silver lame dress I wasn't really sure of how to wear it, so I went to shopstyle.com to get inspired. Based on current trends & things that I like, I put the following looks together. These are great options for the holidays instead of the traditional dresses.

So what do you think of these looks? Do you like the fullness of the bootie with the shorter dress? Would you mix it up like this? When I do wear it, I will post pics*

a day on the metro

2009-11-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

so since i'm leavin Los Angeles in a little over a month, I decided to get out and start seeing things/ going to places I have not been to yet. So on todays mission, with my friend maaaaaaaaaaaaaaary, we hoped on the metro, gotta get used to that as well, and headed into Chinatown to see what we could find...not much :( It was an unusally cold day out here so, we walked to the double dragons to get a photo & we were also hungry. We saw these guys eating and it sure did look good. So they told it was 2.25 a plate. So we go in and shared a plate of food. Look how much they gave us!!!!!!! And the rest are just shots of what I wore today.

Denim shorts 9 @ ross

white tank 6 @ forever 21

sweater 6 @ forever 21

hat 7 @ forever 21

bag 10 @ garment district LA

shoes 14 @ marshalls

Jessica Rabbit...

2009-11-13T20:53:00.000-08:00

....so you may not know this about me, but I L.O.V.E.S. me some Wendy Williams, & while I was at The Farmer's Market today, I saw this magazine I have never seen before called "Celeb Life" & my girl is on the cover looking like Jessica Rabbit! I just think she looks fabulous...Her chitty chitty bang bangs are H.U.G.E...but hey...it is what is...

here's the article from www.celeblifemag.com http://www.celeblifemag.com/V3/index.php?MID=1&CID=64&AID=345

Becoming a Stylist

2009-11-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

This article was taken from the blog http://mamasarollingstone.com/ & it is helping me tremendously, there is a lot of great information in it. It's lengthy but here we go...

BECOME A FASHION STYLIST, PT 1

The role of fashion stylist has to be one of the most sought-after careers in the fashion industry, thanks in no small part to stylists like Rachel Zoe and Patricia Field. Although the ins and outs of the job have been highlighted by shows like The Rachel Zoe Project, there is far more to the job than what Bravo can fit in a 1/2 hour segment. If you’ve ever wondered about how to become a fashion stylist, read on.

We’ve asked four lovely ladies, who have happily made a career out of styling, ten questions to help you on the way. Introducing our stylists..

Alexandra Greenawalt is a New York-based stylist who specializes in classic elegance with a twist. She has worked with celebritiess such as Jennifer Hudson and Antonia Bennett and works both commercially and for private clients.

Amy Reed is the owner and creative director of Chickdowntown.com.

Janel Molton is a fashion stylist and the owner of Relic NY, a new vintage online boutique. After living in Paris and Hollywood, Janel moved to Manhattan in the summer of 2008. Quickly discovering that the city boasting one of the world’s most renowned fashion markets lacked the reasonably priced quality vintage and expert styling to which she had become accustomed and recognizing that NY’s absence was more the rule than the exception, Janel decided to open her closet.

Sarah Shirley, stylist to the stars and viewed by the masses, can be seen on NBC’s The Today Show, CBS’sThe Early Show and VH1 discussing the latest styles. She has worked with Tommy Hilfiger and Tuleh and is an adjunct professor at LIM College in Manhattan where she teaches Applied Fashion Styling.

1. Firstly, what made you decide to get into the field of styling?

ALEXANDRA: I was always obsessed with fashion and it seemed like a natural progression of my talents.

AMY: From a very early age my favorite thing to do was shop and put outfits together. I would go into a store and spend hours putting together a few outfits and many times upon checking out a cashier would say to me something like “That looks so good together, I would have never of thought of that together, we should put it on the mannequin”. I also would pore over fashion magazines and be deeply drawn into the more creative styling and bored to death and frustrated with the others. Once I started chickdowntown.com I realized that what I feared doing the most (styling) was actually my favorite part of the job. Once I decided not to try to conform or worry that others would find it too “extreme” or “unwearable” I started to enjoy it a lot more and be more pleased with the pictures for the site. I’m also lucky that I get to style the hair and makeup as well and use it to enhance the feeling of the outfit even more.

JANEL: I have always loved fashion. When I was young, I immersed myself in the pages of Vogue, W, Bazaar, Elle, etc. searching for daily inspiration. I did not even realize styling was a profession until my first internship in the closet of W magazine. There I aided (aka ran around for Devil Wear’s Prada style) the industry’s top stylists on shoots for top celebrities and models. I was able to see firsthand how the industry the worked and one of the most elite levels. It was that experience that solidified my passion and thrust me on the path of styling.

SARAH: I liked the lifestyle. I met a ton of stylists while working for a milliner, Tracy Watts and then for fashion retailer, Club Monaco.

2. Once you had made that decision, what steps did you take to start out?

ALEXANDRA: I approached a magazine publisher (The Improper Bostonian) who at the time had no fashion section, told him he needed one and that he needed to hire me to do it!

AMY: I fell into styling as a necessity of owning Chickdowntown and needed looks put together for the shoot. As the buyer I know the clothes better than anyone and develop strong ideas about how each piece should be worn.

JANEL: After interning in the closet of W in NYC, I went back to LA to continue at USC. I had loved my experience so much; I asked one of the main editors if they needed help in their LA office. She put me incontact with the LA W/WWD team. There, because the office was so small, I was able to go on to be the main assistant on shoots with celebrities such as Lily Allen. They also allowed me to obtain numerous bylines for articles I wrote for WWD.

SARAH: I asked all my stylist clients to tell me about their job. I read magazines like crazy and noticed all the credits and who was styling what shoot. When I left my job to work in the wardrobe department at MTV- who was one of my clients at Club Monaco, I still kept in touch with all the stylists giving them a call from time to time.

3. When did you feel like you had “broken” into the industry and could give up the day job?

ALEXANDRA: When I got my first commercial job for Pantene in the first month working at styling in NYC

AMY: After starting the website and reading an article on Elle.com which named us one of the 10 Best New Websites in the world I felt I had “broken in” to the fashion industry and that my vision/creative direction of the site was good enough for Elle therefore good enough!

JANEL: I feel like I broke into the industry when I garnered the contacts and became able to freely pull samples from the world’s top designers. The hard part is getting the best clothes. It is all based on relationships between the designer’s PR team the “ad equivalence” of the shoot you are pulling for. Once you have them, the styling comes easy!

SARAH: When did you feel like you had “broken” into the industry and could give up the day job? After MTV- I went to work as a designer at Tommy Hilfiger for 1 year because that is what my degree was in architecture and fashion design- I left and started assisting stylists and got a few of my own jobs, had 1 celeb chef client and worked as a freelance consultant for Bergdorf Goodman. About 4/5 years later, I made a conscious decision that I could not assist any more and would only take my own jobs.

4. What’s your best advice for someone looking to get into the industry?

ALEXANDRA: Don’t ask others what to do, just follow your own heart and instincts

AMY: The best advice I could give for someone looking to break into the industry would be to really love what you do. I think in this industry the “fun part” is only one part of it and you must love it so much your willing to do whatever it takes and start from the bottom. I did.

JANEL: Intern! In order to scale the ladder it is essential to start at the bottom. You will learn the fundamentals of the industry. In order to succeed you truly need that experience.

SARAH: Assist a roster of at least 5-10 stylists. Work in retail. Understand the fashion and accessories market. Know the designers. Understand what make an arresting visual image. Have good people and business skills.

5. What skills do you need to become a stylist?

ALEXANDRA: You need an eye that appeals to a market, you need to be organized because you will be juggling many different sources, people skills, good follow through, self promotion, gumption

AMY: I think you need to be imaginative. When I’m dressing a model I create a character and plug her into a story. I imagine where she is going, what she is doing and how what she is wearing. By understanding a “real” time situation, I am able to enhance the overall look. I also think you need to be a trend spotter and trend setter and know what people are going to want to be wearing 6 months down the road.

JANEL: First and foremost, an outgoing and understanding personality. Being a stylist is all about building relationships (whether they are with PR teams or clients). With clients you are working with real people with insecurity issues. Many times those issues are imbedded in how someone dresses himself or herself. In order to make someone look amazing, they need to feel amazing in the inside. It is important to always take that into consideration.

SARAH: You need to be so many things. A marketer, a sales person to sell yourself, [you must] have good taste, pair the expected with the unexpected.

6. Obviously there are perks to being a stylist, but there’s got to be a downside too. Any examples?

ALEXANDRA: Long hours, being seen as a glorified messenger, lots of work for spreads that sometimes never get published.

AMY: A downside would be having some customers who “don’t get” what you are doing. A lot of times I’ll see an outfit I love, and then a week later spot it on the “Worst Dressed” list. This sometimes makes me wonder if I know what I’m doing but usually this happens to a star known for their fashion forward way of dressing and I happen to love experimenting and the unconventional. Look at Carrie Bradshaw for example. Known as a fashion icon but most wouldn’t be caught dead in some of the outfits she’s sported on SATC through the years.

JANEL: When samples get lost and/or stolen. The first big shoot I assisted for in LA with Jennifer Love Hewitt there was an incident where an off-the-runway dress was mistakenly returned to the wrong designer store. It then mysteriously “disappeared”. I had to file a police report. It was awful!

SARAH: Perks, free product, some you don’t even like- some you love, exposure to the best and the newest things, star treatment- downside- waiting 3 months to get paid, not a steady job – busy 1 month and then the next nothing- but having days off and not having a 9 -5 is a major plus.

7. You are styling an editorial for a big magazine. How early do you prepare and what are the steps you take to get ready?

ALEXANDRA: Make a list of all of the sources that I want to pull from-pull together all contact info on spreadsheet and start chipping away at the list, meet or plan with photographer and creative team to discuss theme, send out one page blast to all sources informing them of what is needed, visit showrooms, coordinate pickups, hire freelance help, plan food and exercise strategy because if I’m not at my best I can’t serve others well.

AMY: If I were styling an editorial for a big magazine I would come up with a concept for the shoot that was on point with the trends/season and which best suited the reader of that particular magazine. Then I would pull samples of clothes, shoes and jewelry from tons of designers at least a few weeks in advance so I have time to put any last minute finishing touches on each look then I would pull tears from magazines for hair and makeup ideas. I also usually bring along a bag of props from my own wardrobe like special vintage pieces, tights, etc.

JANEL: Every time a new collection goes down the runway I am taking notes for future shoots. Once a shoot is solidified, the magazine, photographer & stylist decide on an artistic direction. Then various looks that would work with the theme are selected and called in and pulled from the showrooms. Then we go through and edit the pull down. Though I usually have an idea what I am going to use on a shoot, I always am a bit spontaneous and do it in the moment. That always results in the best photos!!

SARAH: You come up with the story idea and write up an email or letter when you are shooting, the idea of the story, photographer, run through date, shoot date, return date. Call, email all your showroom contacts and start pulling like crazy.

8. Tell me about a typical day on the job.

ALEXANDRA: Every day is different.

AMY: A typical day at my job running the website usually consists of answering over 100 emails throughout day, updating our Twitter, providing materials or ideas for our email blasts, approving email blasts and celeb lookbook pages, meetings, buying and restocking, monitoring press and the occasional buying trip in NYC or Vegas and occasional speaking engagements. On photo shoot days styling the shoots and then editing the photos, selecting “the one” and having new images posted to our site www.chickdowntown.com.

JANEL: Every day is different! One day I could be finding amazing vintage pieces. The next I could be in a fitting, dressing a client. You never know!

SARAH: Fun stress- clients can be demanding. Sometimes you are really tired and everyone wants to talk to you all at once. Every day is different so there is no typical day. Some days you are pulling clothes from showrooms, some days you are shopping at department stores and shops, some days you are on location in Brooklyn at a photo studio or in Manhattan and a luxury apartment and then you might be in a motor home crammed in amongst the clothes or the best you book a job in the Bahamas and you are on the beach. Some days you are carrying 5 bags of clothes on the subways and other days you have a car service – it really depends on the job and the budget!

9. Are there any people in the field that you look up to or anyone whose career you wish you could emulate?

ALEXANDRA: Alex White, Grace Coddington, Anne Christensen.

AMY: I look up to everyone in this business that has been successful because I know how difficult it is. I would love to have a career like Rachel Zoe’s. I’d love to eventually have my own Chickdowntown line which I create.

JANEL: I love the vision of Grace Coddington. She understands the beauty of the surreal. For over forty years she has constantly delivered some of the most exquisite images to date.

SARAH: Lori Goldstein- I assisted her and Pat Field- she is not a fashion snob and is irreverent.

10. What’s the salary and career path like?

ALEXANDRA: Rate can be anywhere to nothing a day to several thousand dollars a day. Assist first then move up the ranks. Really no two careers are alike. Every stylist has their own style niche.

AMY: The career path is hard unless you “know someone AND are talented” or a celebrity. I started from the bottom and was on the path to managerial roles but getting into the really creative side is difficult. I don’t know if it would have happened had I not started Chickdowntown myself but I feel it would have because it is my passion and what I’m good at and I think having been with a company for several years someone would have taken notice. I think it’s good to start at a company you’d like to grow with.

JANEL: Usually you start out as an unpaid intern. With that experience, most start assisting a successful stylist. This usually is freelance and pays around $30,000/year. After establishing yourself as an assistant you begin branching out on your own. The salary grows with the work experience!

SARAH: Everyone’s exp is different a good stylist can make anywhere from 80k-300K a year. Career path – you have to bust a move and work really hard. Network- I suggest working at a magazine if you can or for a department store. Work as a costume designer for a TV show or movie and assist someone you admire even if it’s for free for 1 day or 1 week. It will pay off!

Just wanted to say a quick thanks to all the lovely stylists who took part in the interview – please check out their work and their various ventures into fashion, if you have a chance.

Stylist Spotlight :: June Ambrose

2009-11-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

So this blog is supposed to be about me becoming a stylist right?!?! Well let's get to work! First up is one of my favorite stylist, the fabulous JUNE AMBROSE. She has been a stylist in the industry for well over 10 years and she has worked Jay Z, Sean Combs, Mary J Blige & Mariah Carey to name a few. Her career started when she was an intern at MCA Records. Someone walked in the office & asked for a stylist, June asked "what is that?" It was explained to her, and she thought to herself..."I can do that!" She had always been into fashion as a girl. She has gone on to do over 150 music videos, countless editorials & red carpet events.

I would love my career to start like that...but a las. One of my favorite events that she styles for is Rip the Runway on BET...the models always look fabulous! I love her sense of personal style, she is very classic & simple & you can usually find her with an accessory that POPS...and let us not forgot the oversize glasses.

...now what now....

2009-11-11T00:36:00.000-08:00

I almost had to go Tasha Mack a few times this past week, so I find it befitting to feature her on my blog. I love the free spirit she exhibits in this photo, she just looks so care free and fun....and I would love to do a photo shoot like this soon...

Fashion Flicks:: Chanel Iman

2009-11-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

Stunning! That's all

2009-11-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

Ok sooo...my mouth literally hit the floor when I saw these photos from Glamour Women of the Year Awards. Rihanna's dress was GORGEOUS. Pretty much left me speechless. I loved Serena's choice of red gown and her hair looks great on her, keep this look Serena!!! Iman looked young & playful at the event in her Jason Wu ensemble. Tyra Banks looked flawless, but I would have love to see a pop of color in there...somewhere, and I just love Kerry Washington looked grandma chic...I loved it!

Vintage Fab

2009-11-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

every now and then I go on a journey through time... And I love to look at old photos of performers from back in their hay day. I hope to leave an imprint on the world like all of these gorgeous women have.

Holiday style:: Sequined story

2009-11-07T15:18:00.001-08:00

I am a huge fan of sequin dresses for this upcoming holiday season. I like to stick with a neutral color palette of grey, black & silver...why? Because you can play it up sooo much with jeweled tone shoes and accessories. I love to add rich blues, purples, fuschia, green, etc... These pieces definitely should get you inspired and in the holiday spirit. If you have any questions about putting a look together, please send me an email and I will come up with some choices for you, & I am available for personal shopping as well. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

fab flicks

2009-11-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

beautiful sistahs...oh yeah, I got my cord back...

woosaah!

2009-11-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

so people I will be out of the loop for a minute, I mean my wifi is out, i'm trying to get my place packed up so I can move and my charger for my laptop died, i'm trying to help plan a holiday party for my meetup, trying to do a photoshoot for my folio before I leave...good lord I am tired. so if I can I will pop in, if not...don't leave me my lovely followers...I will be back! In the meantime, for all my weave weares, my best friend in the world Rachel Burris has started a business and I will do a feature on her when I get my life together, but go show her some support and type in kaileeparker@gmail.com for a coupon code if you would like to order. www.hairaddictonline.com oh yeah, and that is me modeling the hair on the homepage!!!

Styl'd

2009-11-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

so I am watching...and idk how I feel about it. I mean of course, obviously these 4 people are living my dream right now but I am not really feeling the interns as of yet. Gary reminds of Brad from for TRZ Project, he just seems laxidazical, he is not paying attention, just busting up in showrooms and whatnot. Brett is kinda cool, I liked that he stepped up to the plate and gave Asher the jacket & got a styling job...you go Brett!I do think think he should go as the assistant and bring a senior stylist with him since he is "interning" but that's just me. He did not take those clothes out on memo @ Kitson....WOW! I am not so sure how I feel about Janna & Tara, haven't heard much from her yet. I like Jen Rade a lot, I think she is a no nonsense boss and seems to know what she wants and likes to keep things moving. Julie Weiss...hmmm not so sure yet. Eric L. Archibald, where you @ man? I do wish they had added some urban cast mates in the show, but hey...you know how that goes.